FBI finds more than 30 weapons in the homes of suspects in the San Diego mosque attack
Electronic devices and various tactical materials that are now part of the federal investigation were also found.
Federal and local authorities seized more than 30 firearms, a crossbow, ammunition and tactical equipment in three homes linked to the two suspects in the armed attack against the Islamic Center of San Diego, California, an event that left five dead, including the attackers themselves.
The FBI in San Diego reported this Tuesday that during the searches carried out at properties related to the suspects, aged 17 and 18, electronic devices and various tactical material were also found that are now part of the federal investigation. According to the FBI, authorities are seeking to determine if the young people acted alone or if they had additional plans.
“More than 30 firearms and a crossbow were recovered in the searched homes,” Remily stated during a press conference in San Diego. The official added that investigators are analyzing writings and digital evidence found during the raids.
The attack occurred Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, considered the largest mosque in the county. According to police, the attackers opened fire on several people outside the premises and were later found dead inside a vehicle, apparently from self-inflicted wounds.
Authorities confirmed that three men were killed during the shooting, including a security guard identified as Amin Abdullah, who attempted to stop the attackers and activate the facility's emergency protocols. The FBI and San Diego police are investigating the case as a possible hate crime.
According to the Reuters agency and other American media, anti-Islamic writings and hate messages were found in the suspects' car. Investigators are also analyzing an alleged manifesto spread on the internet with extremist, racist and anti-Muslim references.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl noted that the mother of one of the suspects had alerted authorities hours before about the disappearance of her son and the theft of several firearms from her home. “The mother reported that her son was suicidal and that he had taken weapons and a vehicle,” Wahl said.
The mosque also houses a school and a community center. Local authorities confirmed that all minors present were evacuated and made safe after the attack.